The Horrific Orlando Attack Could Have Been Even Worse

The Horrific terror attack at an Orlando gay nightclub that claimed fifty lives has captured the nation’s attention. A steady stream of revelations about shooter Omar Mateen flowed on Sunday and Monday. It appears that Mateen was not directly involved with ISIS, but that he drew inspiration from the group and its radical Islamic agenda.

Late on Monday one of the most troubling pieces of information yet about the shooter came across the wire. According to a law enforcement source quoted byPeople , Mateen’s wife, Noor Zahi Salman, revealed to authorities that there was originally another target her husband was considering for the attack.

Mateen had been “scouting Downtown Disney and Pulse [nightclub] for attacks,” Salman is quoted as saying. The couple reportedly visited Disney World in April, though it is unclear what connection the visit had to Mateen’s attack planning. As People notes: “Unlike the four Disney World theme parks, Downtown Disney, which was recently renamed Disney Springs, doesn’t have security and bag check before entry.”

The lack of security would have made Downtown Disney an ideal soft target for Mateen. As horrific as the carnage at Pulse was, things could have been even worse had Mateen chosen to attack Downtown Disney. There likely would have been many child victims in a Disney attack.